Andy Reid did not get booed in his return to Philadelphia as the Kansas City Chiefs took on the Eagles in a highly awaited matchup. It was the head coach's first time back at Lincoln Financial Field and the fans offered a warm welcome, The head coach downplayed the return prior to the start, but afterword things got weird when ESPN's Sal Paolantonio interviewed the winnings coach.
The former Eagles coach was not too interested in talking after the Chiefs wrapped up a 26-16 victory over the Eagles. At first Reid attempted to avoid the reporter that has spent a good amount of his career covering the coach's games in Philadelphia. Instead of answering questions right away, Reid told Paolantonio that he was "blocking him" and went to embrace several Eagles players. The cameras kept rolling. Finally when Reid answered a few questions for ESPN, things were just weird and uncomfortable. Answers were short and bad television was made.
In his postgame press conference, Reid was all smiles, admitting that the game felt different, but he tried not to get caught up in all the attention.
"Yeah, it was different," Reid said, via ESPN.com. "I was on the opposite side of the field than I normally am at. But I can't tell you that I was caught up in that part of it. It was great to see the players that are here. I had a chance to talk to them after the game."
Reid was responsible for giving players like Michael Vick a chance in the NFL. He drafted DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy who are now stars in their own right on the team. The influence Reid had in Philadelphia is still there, despite Chip Kelly now being the head coach.
"I'll never forget the opportunities given to me by this organization and by Andy Reid," Vick said, via ESPN.com. "That will never change."
Jackson echoed those words. The wide receiver called Reid a father figure to him. The two kept in contact after the head coach was fired. Jackson noted that none of the players had any grief with Reid and everyone was excited to see him. Reid did not share the same feelings for ESPN.